Sikkim’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department initiated the Himalayan Yak Festival in Gnathang Valley to unite border herders and encourage sustainable high-altitude tourism. The gathering featured hundreds of native animals alongside displays of yak-derived merchandise and developments in artificial insemination technology. Local representatives hope to turn the festival into an annual event, while community voices have called on the government to buy goods, offer financial incentives, and curb transboundary livestock illnesses.
Key points
Community advocate Lachungpa proposed establishing a Himalayan Yak Pole to highlight the…: Community advocate Lachungpa proposed establishing a Himalayan Yak Pole to highlight the animal's regional identity and cultural significance.
Younger generations are deserting traditional yak rearing primarily because the practice…: Younger generations are deserting traditional yak rearing primarily because the practice currently yields insufficient economic profits.
Securing sustainable border livelihoods requires public incentives, institutional purchas…: Securing sustainable border livelihoods requires public incentives, institutional purchasing of herder goods, and coordinated efforts against livestock diseases.
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“Currently, the world is viewed through two poles: the North Pole and the South Pole. Our proposal is to establish a third pole: the ‘Himalayan Pole,’ which we could also call the ‘Yak Pole.’ The goal is to safeguard our unique identity, the Yak, which is native to the Himalayas and not found anywhere else. If we don’t take this step now, it might soon be too late, and someone else could lay claim to what is rightfully ours,” Lachungpa said.
Organised by Sikkim’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, the festival aims to protect the yak population, promote tourism in high-altitude areas and support sustainable livelihoods for herders in border villages.
Himalayan Yak Festival 2026 brings herders together in Sikkim
The first edition of the Himalayan Yak Festival began in Gnathang Valley, bringing together yak herders, government officials and visitors to discuss conservation, breeding and the future of yak rearing.Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha said preparations had been underway for a week despite the harsh weather conditions in the high-altitude region. Around 400 to 500 yaks were present at the…
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